WO2018190667A2

WO2018190667A2 - Apparatus for sterilizing fluid

Info

Publication number: WO2018190667A2
Application number: PCT/KR2018/004319
Authority: WO
Inventors: 정상욱; 배희호
Original assignee: 서울바이오시스 주식회사
Priority date: 2017-04-14
Filing date: 2018-04-13
Publication date: 2018-10-18
Also published as: CN110740977A; WO2018190667A3; KR20180115978A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sterilizing apparatus using a UV LED module and, more particularly, to an apparatus for sterilizing a fluid flowing through piping by using a UV LED module. An apparatus for sterilizing a fluid according to an embodiment of the present application comprises: piping through which a fluid flows; and at least one UV LED module installed to irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the inside of the piping, wherein the at least one UV LED module is arranged to irradiate the ultraviolet rays in a direction in which the fluid flows in the piping or in a direction opposite to the direction in which the fluid flows in the piping. The apparatus for sterilizing a fluid according to the present application can effectively sterilize bacteria contained in the fluid by increasing the ultraviolet exposure time of the fluid flowing in the piping.

Description

Fluid sterilizer

The present application relates to a sterilizing apparatus using a UV LED module, and more particularly to a device for sterilizing a fluid flowing through the pipe using the UV LED module.

As environmental pollution progresses, the demand for clean water is increasing rapidly. For example, water purifiers are one of those developed to meet the demand for clean water. A water purifier is a device for supplying purified water through a filter. Since water takes a considerable time to pass through the filter, most water purifiers generally receive the water passed through the filter in an internal water tank.

However, the water once passed through the water purifier is stored again in the tank for a long time, the bacteria are often to multiply again. However, since the pipe from the water tank or the water tank to the outlet is built in the water purifier, it is troublesome to disassemble the water purifier to clean it. In addition, in order to clean the water tank, it is cumbersome in that the water in the water tank must be emptied, and it is difficult to clean the pipe deep inside.

In order to prevent the growth of these bacteria, a technique for installing an ultraviolet lamp in a tank has been proposed. However, according to this technique, it is difficult to expect perfect sterilization because the UV lamp should be kept on and the water in the tank is disinfected even though the water in the tank is disinfected. .

The above problem can be solved by disinfecting the water flowing in the pipe just before the outlet. However, the water flowing through the pipe is so instantaneously that even if the inside of the pipe irradiated with ultraviolet light, bacteria in the flowing water is only exposed to the ultraviolet light for a while. Therefore, when sterilizing in a conventional manner, the intensity of the ultraviolet ray should be high enough to be able to sterilize even if exposed for a while.

In order to increase the intensity of ultraviolet rays, a lot of light sources for generating ultraviolet rays should be used, but this has a problem in that the cost of the sterilizer is increased and the volume of the sterilizer is increased.

It is an object of the present application to provide a fluid sterilization apparatus that can effectively sterilize a fluid flowing in a pipe using a UV LED module.

The fluid sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application includes a pipe through which a fluid flows and at least one UV LED module installed to irradiate ultraviolet rays toward the fluid, and the at least one UV LED module includes a direction in which the fluid flows or the It is arranged to irradiate ultraviolet light in a direction opposite to the direction in which the fluid flows.

In an embodiment, the pipe includes at least one bent portion formed by bending a portion of the pipe, and the at least one UV LED module is disposed adjacent to the at least one bent portion.

In one embodiment, the at least one bent portion is formed with a hole for installing the at least one UV LED, and between the hole and the at least one UV LED transmits the ultraviolet light emitted from the at least one UV LED The transmission member is interposed.

In an embodiment, a sealing member is interposed between the hole and the transmission member to prevent leakage.

In an embodiment, the sealing member is formed using a flexible flexible material or an adhesive material.

In the embodiment, the sealing member is formed of any one of Viton, E.P.R (ETYLENE PROPYLENE), Teflon or Kaletz, fluid sterilization apparatus.

In an embodiment, a sealing member is interposed between the at least one UV LED and the transparent member to prevent leakage.

In an embodiment, a crimping member for crimping and fixing the sealing member and the transmissive member to the hole is interposed between the at least one UV LED and the transmissive member.

In one embodiment, the permeable member is formed of any one of quartz, fused silica, or PMMA having a high monomer ratio.

In an embodiment, the pipe may include a plurality of bent portions, and determine whether to arrange the at least one UV LED module based on whether the distance between the plurality of bent portions is longer than a reference distance.

In an embodiment, the pipe may include a first bent part formed by bending in a second direction different from the first direction in a first direction and a third bent part formed by bending in a third direction different from the second direction in the second direction. And a second bent part, and when the distance between the first bent part and the second bent part is longer than the reference distance, a UV LED module is disposed in the first bent part and the second bent part, and the first bent part and the When the distance between the second bends is shorter than the reference distance, no UV LED module is disposed in the first bends and the second bends.

In an embodiment, the pipe has an inner tube and a diameter larger than that of the inner tube, and includes an exterior that slides to the inner tube so that the length of the pipe can be varied.

In an embodiment, the length of the tubing increases in proportion to an increase in the flow rate of the fluid.

In an embodiment, the pipe may include a first bent part formed by bending a part of the inner tube and a second bent part formed by bending a part of the outer tube, wherein the at least one UV LED module is disposed in the first bent part. And first and second UV LED modules and third and fourth UV LED modules disposed in the second bend.

In an embodiment, when the length of the pipe is longer than a reference distance, the first and second UV LED modules disposed in the first curved portion and the third and fourth UV LED modules disposed in the second curved portion. When all of them are turned on and the length of the pipe is shorter than the reference distance, the selected UV LED module among the first and second UV LED modules disposed in the first bent portion is turned on, and the second The selected UV LED module among the third and fourth UV LED modules installed in the bend is turned on.

In at least one example embodiment, the at least one UV LED module includes a lens for reducing the diffusion angle of ultraviolet rays to a predetermined angle or less.

In an embodiment, the pipe is provided with a hole into which the lens is fitted, and the lens is fitted into the hole so that the outer surface of the lens is exposed to the inside of the pipe.

In an embodiment, the material of the pipe is any one of stainless steel, silver, aluminum, or magnesium oxide.

In an embodiment, the lens is disposed in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the pipe, and a reflection film for reflecting ultraviolet rays is formed in an area except the area in which the lens is in contact with the outer circumferential surface or the inner circumferential surface of the pipe, and the pipe is made of quartz or fuse. Either de silica or PMMA having a high monomer ratio.

In an embodiment, the pipe includes at least one protrusion formed by protruding a portion of the pipe, and the at least one UV LED module is disposed adjacent to the at least one protrusion.

In an embodiment, the fluid flows inside the pipe, and the at least one UV LED module radiates ultraviolet rays toward the fluid flowing inside the pipe.

One embodiment of the present invention includes a water purification device, the water purification device, the water storage tank is stored; A pipe having one end connected to the reservoir and the other end connected to the outlet; And at least one UV LED module for irradiating the ultraviolet light to the water. The pipe has at least one bent portion formed by bending a portion, and the UV LED module is disposed adjacent to the at least one bent portion and irradiates ultraviolet rays in a direction opposite to the direction in which the water flows or the direction in which the water flows.

The fluid sterilization apparatus according to the present application can effectively sterilize bacteria incorporated into the fluid by increasing the ultraviolet exposure time of the fluid flowing in the pipe.

1 and 2 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a fluid sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application, respectively.

3 and 4 are partially enlarged and partially exploded views showing the A portion of the fluid sterilization apparatus shown in FIG. 2 in detail.

5 and 6 are a perspective view showing a fluid sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present application, respectively.

7 to 12 are views showing the fluid sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present application.

13 is a view showing a fluid sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present application.

14 to 18 are views for explaining a fluid sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present application.

19 to 22 are views showing a fluid sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present application.

23 and 24 are views illustrating a fluid sterilization apparatus according to another embodiment of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the technical idea of the present application.

1 and 2 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a fluid sterilization apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present application, respectively.

The fluid sterilization apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present application sterilizes a fluid flowing in a pipe by using a UV LED module, but in a direction in which the fluid flows (hereinafter, a normal direction of the fluid) and / or a direction opposite to the direction in which the fluid flows ( Hereinafter, the UV LED module is disposed so that UV is irradiated in the reverse direction of the fluid. Therefore, the ultraviolet exposure time of the fluid flowing through the pipe is increased, the bacteria mixed in the fluid can be effectively sterilized.

1 and 2, the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 includes a water tube 110, first and second

UV LED modules

121 and 122, a driving circuit 130, and a housing. (housing) 140.

The pipe 110 is formed such that a fluid such as water flows inside. The pipe 110 has a circular cross section, because the circular cross section is advantageous in that ultraviolet rays irradiated into the pipe 110 by the

UV LED modules

121 and 122 are evenly reflected. However, this is merely exemplary, and the pipe 110 may be formed to have a cross section other than a circle, for example, a cross section of a quadrangle.

The pipe 110 is formed using a material having a high reflectance such that the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the

UV LED modules

121 and 122 are well reflected in the pipe 110. For example, the pipe 110 may be formed of a material having high reflectance such as stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium oxide, Teflon, or the like. In addition, in order to prevent corrosion due to the fluid flowing in the pipe 110, the inner surface of the pipe 110 may be coated with a corrosion preventing material.

A portion of the pipe 110 is bent to form a bent part. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the pipe 110 may be bent twice, in which case two

bends

111 and 112 may be formed. However, this is exemplary and the pipe 110 may be bent two or more times.

Meanwhile, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pipe 110 is shown bent at an angle of 90 °. However, this is merely exemplary, and the technical spirit of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the pipe 110 may be curved at various angles (eg, about 60 ° to 130 °).

The first and second

UV LED modules

121 and 122 irradiate UV in the sterilization wavelength band for sterilizing the fluid, respectively. For example, the UV rays belonging to the wavelength bands of the first and second

UV LED modules

121 and 122 UV-C may be irradiated. However, this is exemplary, and the first and second

UV LED modules

121 and 122 may use UV LEDs having a peak wavelength in a range of about 15 nm based on 270 nm, respectively. As another example, the first and second

UV LED modules

121 and 122 may use UV, which belongs to the wavelength band of UV-A and / or UV-B, as sterilization wavelength, respectively.

The first and second

UV LED modules

121 and 122 are disposed adjacent to the

bends

111 and 112, respectively, and the first UV LED module 121 is configured to apply UV in a direction in which the fluid flows (hereinafter, the forward direction of the fluid). And the second UV LED module 122 is arranged to irradiate UV in a direction opposite to the direction in which the fluid flows (hereinafter, the reverse of the fluid).

In this case, a UV sterilization region is formed between the first UV LED module 121 and the second UV LED module 122, and the fluid is sterilized by passing through the UV sterilization region. At this time, since the UV sterilization region is formed long along the direction in which the fluid flows, the time for which the fluid is exposed to ultraviolet rays increases.

Meanwhile, in FIGS. 1 and 2, two

UV LED modules

121 and 122 are shown disposed in the pipe 110. However, this is merely exemplary, and the technical spirit of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 may include only one UV LED module, and the UV LED module may be installed in the pipe 110 to irradiate UV in the forward direction or the reverse direction of the fluid.

The driving circuit 130 supplies power to the first and second

UV LED modules

121 and 122. For example, the driving circuit 130 may supply power so that the first and second

UV LED modules

121 and 122 are turned on at the same time to irradiate UV. As another example, the driving circuit 130 may supply power to selectively turn on one of the first and second

UV LED modules

121 and 122.

3 and 4 are partially enlarged and partially exploded views showing the A portion of the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 2 in detail.

3 and 4, holes 2 are present in the pipe 110 in which the

UV LED modules

121 and 122 are to be installed, and the

UV LED modules

121 and 122 are ultraviolet rays through the holes 2. It is installed to irradiate the inside of the pipe (110).

In more detail, the hole 2 is present in the bent part 111 of the pipe 110 in which the second UV LED module 122 is to be installed, and the step 1101 is formed in the pipe 110 of the hole 2. Is formed. The hole 2 may be formed in a circular shape as shown, but is not limited thereto.

A transmissive member 114 having a high UV transmittance is disposed between the step 110_1 and the UV LED module 122 so that ultraviolet rays may be irradiated well into the pipe 110. The permeable member 114 may be formed of, for example, quartz, fused silica, or PMMA having a high monomer ratio. In addition, the transmitting member 114 may be formed in an annular plate shape as shown in FIG. 4, but is not limited thereto.

The first sealing member 113 may be additionally disposed between the transmission member 114 and the step 110_1 for waterproofing. In addition, a second sealing member 115 may be further disposed between the UV LED module 122 and the transparent member 114 for waterproofing.

In this case, the first and

second sealing members

113 and 115 may be formed using, for example, an elastic flexible material or an adhesive material. For example, the first and

second sealing members

113 and 115 may be formed of VITON, EPR (ETYLENE PROPYLENE), Teflon, or Kaletz, but are not limited thereto. It doesn't happen.

In addition, the first and

second sealing members

113 and 115 may have an annular ring shape such as an O-ring as shown in FIG. 4, but are not limited thereto. As such, the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present application may further ensure waterproofing by providing a sealing structure in two stages to prevent the fluid from leaking through the hole 2.

In addition, instead of the first sealing member 113 and / or the second sealing member 115, a crimping member (not shown) may be additionally disposed. For example, instead of the second sealing member 115, a crimping member may be interposed between the UV LED module 122 and the transmission member 114. The crimping member may have an annular flat plate shape having a circular hole in the center, and may further include a fastening part for strongly crimping and fixing the pipe 110 and the stepped 110_1 of the pipe 110. However, this is merely exemplary, and the pressing member may be formed to have a shape other than an annular flat plate shape, and the hole formed at the center of the pressing member may also be formed to have a shape other than a circular shape.

Meanwhile, the UV LED module 122 includes a substrate 122_1, an LED chip 122_2 disposed on the substrate 122_1, and a case 122_3 for protecting the LED chip 122_2. In order to minimize UV loss due to total reflection, a material having high UV reflectance (eg, stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium oxide, Teflon, etc.) may be coated on the upper surface of the substrate 122_1.

As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present application arranges the UV LED module to irradiate UV in the forward direction of the fluid and / or the reverse direction of the fluid. In this case, since the UV sterilization region is formed long along the forward direction of the fluid, the ultraviolet exposure time of the fluid flowing through the pipe increases. Therefore, it is possible to effectively sterilize the fluid flowing through the pipe at a high speed. Moreover, as compared to the sterilization method after storing water in the tank, not only can a greater amount of water be sterilized for a unit time, but also the same amount of water can be sterilized faster.

On the other hand, it is to be understood that the above description is exemplary and the technical spirit of the present application is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, various application examples and application examples according to the spirit of the present application will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

5 and 6 are perspective views showing the fluid sterilization apparatus 200, 200 'according to another embodiment of the present application, respectively.

The

fluid sterilization apparatus

200, 200 ′ of FIGS. 5 and 6 is similar to the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. Therefore, the same or similar reference numerals will be used for the same or similar components, and repeated descriptions will be omitted below for clear and concise description.

Unlike the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, the pipes of the

fluid sterilization apparatuses

200 and 200 ′ of FIGS. 5 and 6 are bent so that the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port face different directions.

Specifically, in the case of the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, the pipe 110 is bent such that both the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port face the lower surface of the housing 140. In contrast, in the case of the fluid sterilization apparatus 200 of FIG. 6, the pipe 210 is bent so that the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port face the upper and lower surfaces of the housing, respectively. In the case of), the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are each bent so that the pipes face different sides of the housing.

As such, even if the pipe is bent so that the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet face different directions, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the

fluid sterilization apparatus

200, 200 ′ according to the embodiment of the present application is provided. The UV LED module may be installed in the tubing to irradiate UV in the forward and / or reverse direction of the fluid. Therefore, it may have the same effect as the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 of FIG. 1.

7 to 12 are views illustrating fluid sterilization apparatuses 200 ″ and 200 ″ ″ according to another embodiment of the present application.

The fluid sterilization devices 200 ″, 200 ″ ′ of FIGS. 7-12 are similar to the fluid sterilization device 100 of FIG. 1. Therefore, the same or similar reference numerals will be used for the same or similar components, and repeated descriptions will be omitted below for clear and concise description.

Unlike the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, a portion of the tubing of the fluid sterilization apparatuses 200 ″ and 200 ′ ″ of FIGS. 7 to 12 protrudes to form protrusions, and the UV LED module is provided on the protrusions. Installed to sterilize the fluid. In the fluid sterilization apparatus 200 ″ and 200 ″ of FIGS. 7 to 12, since the pipe 210 is not bent, the direction of the fluid is kept constant from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet.

In more detail, FIGS. 7 and 8 show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the fluid sterilization apparatus 200 ″ with a portion of the pipe protruding. A protrusion is formed adjacent to an upper surface of the fluid inlet of the pipe 210, and the first UV LED module 221 is installed on the protrusion to irradiate UV in the forward direction of the fluid. And a protrusion is formed adjacent to the lower surface of the fluid discharge port of the pipe 210, the second UV LED module 222 is installed in the protrusion and irradiates the UV in the reverse direction of the fluid.

In this case, a UV sterilization region is formed between the first UV LED module 221 and the second UV LED module 222. The UV sterilization region is proportional to the diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the pipe 210, and the inner circumferential surface diameter D2 of the pipe 210 in which the UV sterilization region is formed is longer than the inner circumferential surface diameter D1 of the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet. Accordingly, the fluid sterilization apparatus 200 ″ may form a UV sterilization region having a larger volume, thereby further increasing the ultraviolet exposure time of the fluid flowing through the pipe 210.

Meanwhile, the shape of the pipe 210 of the fluid sterilization device 200 ″ of FIG. 7 is exemplary, and the technical spirit of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the pipe 210 of the fluid sterilization device 200 ″ may be formed in a shape in which a cylindrical pipe having a large diameter and a cylindrical pipe having a small diameter are combined.

10 and 11 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a fluid sterilization apparatus 200 '' 'with a portion of the pipe protruding. 10 and 11, a portion of the pipe 210 of the fluid sterilization device 200 ′ ″ protrudes to form a protrusion, but includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion on which the first UV LED module 221_1 is installed. The second protrusion on which the UV LED module 222_1 is installed protrudes in the same direction.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the protrusion is formed along the longitudinal direction of the pipe 210_1 on the upper surface of the pipe 210_1, and the first UV LED module 221_1 is installed on the protrusion adjacent to the inlet. And irradiates UV in the forward direction of the fluid, and a second UV LED module 222_1 is installed at a protrusion adjacent to the fluid discharge port of the pipe 210_1 to irradiate UV in the reverse direction of the fluid.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, a UV sterilization region having a diameter D4 larger than the diameter D3 of the fluid inlet may be formed between the first UV LED module 221_1 and the second UV LED module 222_1. Accordingly, the fluid sterilization apparatus 200 ′ ″ may form a UV sterilization region having a larger volume, thereby further increasing the ultraviolet exposure time of the fluid flowing through the pipe 210_1.

On the other hand, the shape of the pipe 210 of the fluid sterilization apparatus 200 ′ of FIG. 11 is exemplary, and the technical spirit of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the tubing 210 of the fluid sterilization device 200 ′ ″ may have a smaller diameter tubing coupled to a lower end of one side of the larger diameter tubing, and the larger tubular tubing may have a larger diameter. The lower diameter of the other side may be formed in the form that the small diameter cylindrical pipe is coupled.

On the other hand, in Figures 7 to 12, it is described that the protrusion provided to install the UV LED module is formed on the upper or lower surface of the pipe. However, this is merely exemplary, and the protrusion may be formed at various positions of the pipe. For example, at least one protrusion may be formed on the left side or the right side of the pipe, and two or more protrusions may be formed at different positions among the top, bottom, left side, or right side of the pipe.

13 is a view showing a fluid sterilization apparatus 300 according to another embodiment of the present application.

The fluid sterilization apparatus 300 of FIG. 13 is similar to the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. Therefore, the same or similar reference numerals will be used for the same or similar components, and repeated descriptions will be omitted below for clear and concise description.

Unlike the fluid sterilization apparatus 300 of FIG. 1, the pipe 310 of the fluid sterilization apparatus 300 of FIG. 13 may be formed to be bent a plurality of times. For example, the pipe 110 of the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 may be formed six times as long as the pipe 110 of the fluid sterilization apparatus 300 of FIG. 13 is bent twice. In total, six

curved portions

311, 312, 313, 314, 315, and 316 may be included.

In order to sterilize the fluid flowing in the pipe, a UV LED module may be installed in the bend to irradiate UV in the forward or reverse direction of the fluid.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the UV LED module 321 is installed to radiate UV in the forward direction of the fluid in the bent portion 312, and the UV LED module 323 is in the reverse direction of the fluid in the bent portion 313. It can be installed to irradiate UV. Similarly, UV LED module 322 and UV LED module 324 are installed to irradiate UV in the forward direction of the fluid, and UV LED module 325 and UV LED module 326 irradiate UV in the reverse direction of the fluid. Can be installed.

In this case, a first UV germicidal region is formed between the UV LED module 321 and the UV LED module 323, and a second UV germicidal region is formed between the UV LED module 322 and the UV LED module 325. A third UV germicidal region may be formed between the UV LED module 324 and the UV LED module 326. As such, since the UV sterilization region is formed along the shape of the pipe 311, the time for the fluid flowing in the pipe to be exposed to ultraviolet rays increases, and bacteria mixed in the fluid can be effectively sterilized. In addition, compared to the sterilization method after storing water in the tank, not only can sterilize a larger amount of water for a unit time, but also sterilize the same amount of water more quickly.

On the other hand, in order to install the UV LED module more efficiently, whether or not to install the UV LED module may be based on the distance between the bent portion and the bent portion.

For example, the distance between the fourth bend 314 and the fifth bend 315 is "a", and the distance between the third bend 313 and the fourth bend 314 is "b" shorter than "a". The distance between the fifth bend 315 and the sixth bend 316 is "c" shorter than "b" (c <b <a).

In this case, when the distance between the bend and the bend is relatively long, such as "a" and "b", even if a pair of UV LED modules are disposed between the bend and the bend, there is no big problem in terms of efficiency. However, if the distance between the bend and the bend is relatively short, such as "c", if a pair of UV LED modules are placed between the bends, ultraviolet rays may be concentrated in a narrow area over the intensity required for sterilization, resulting in a problem of deterioration of efficiency. have.

In order to prevent this problem, whether or not to install the UV LED module can be set based on the reference distance "r". For example, if the distance between the bend and the bend is longer than the reference distance "r", the UV LED module for irradiating UV in the forward direction of the fluid and the UV LED module for irradiating UV in the reverse direction of the fluid may be installed in the bends. As another example, if the distance between the bend and the bend is shorter than the reference distance "r", the UV LED module may not be installed.

In this case, the reference distance "r" may be set variously according to the designer. For example, the reference distance "r" may be set to 1/2 of "a" which is the distance between the longest bend and the bend. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, since the distance “b” between the third bend 313 and the fourth bend 314 is longer than the reference distance “r”, the

UV LED modules

322 and 325 are removed. Can be installed. Since the distance "c" between the fifth bend 315 and the sixth bend 316 is shorter than the reference distance "r", the UV LED module pair may not be disposed. However, this is merely exemplary, and when the distance between the bend and the bend is shorter than the reference distance, the UV LED module may be installed only at the bend at one of the two bends.

14 to 18 are views for explaining a fluid sterilization apparatus 400 according to another embodiment of the present application.

The fluid sterilization apparatus 400 of FIGS. 14-18 is similar to the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. Therefore, the same or similar reference numerals will be used for the same or similar components, and repeated descriptions will be omitted below for clear and concise description.

In general, the germicidal power of ultraviolet light is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source. If the distance of the UV LED module pairs 421 and 422 is too long, as shown in FIG. 14, the non-sterilization of the ultraviolet light has little effect on the intermediate distance between the UV LED module pairs 421 and 422. There may be a non-sterilized space.

In this non-sterile zone, the intensity of the ultraviolet light is weak, resulting in a lower sterilizing power for the fluid passing through the non-sterile zone. Moreover, since the non-sterile zone occurs at the midpoint of the UV LED module pair, the fluid flowing through the pipe passes through the sterilization zone, the non-sterile zone, and the sterilization zone sequentially, and this discontinuous exposure to ultraviolet light causes It can cause lowering.

Therefore, when the distance between the bent portion and the bent portion of the pipe is long, it is necessary to narrow the diffusion angle W of the UV LED module so that such non-sterile region does not occur. Here, the diffusion angle means an angle formed by a region that is 1/2 of the size of the strongest ultraviolet light. In the following FIGS. 15 to 18, UV LED modules having a narrow diffusion angle and a UV LED module having a narrow diffusion angle by using a lens according to the technical spirit of the present application will be described in more detail.

15 and 16 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a UV LED module package 422 and a lens thereof according to an embodiment of the present application, respectively.

15 and 16, the UV LED module 422_2 is mounted on the substrate 422_1, and the sealing member 422_6 is covered with the UV LED module 422_2. The sealing member 422_6 has a hemispherical shape around the light emitting point of the UV LED module.

A lens 422_3 is provided in front of the UV LED module 422_2, and the inner surface 422_5 of the lens 422_3 has a concave hemispherical shape corresponding to the outer surface 422_7 of the sealing member 422_6. The inner surface 422_5 of the lens 422_3 and the outer surface 422_7 of the sealing member 422_6 are in close contact with each other.

The outer surface 422_8 of the lens 422_3 is formed with a smooth curved surface, and the distance from the light emitting point of the UV LED module 422_2 to the outer surface 422_8 of the lens 422_3 as the distance from the center O of the light irradiation area is increased. Is getting closer. According to this shape, as shown in FIG. 16, ultraviolet rays irradiated from the UV LED module are refracted toward the center O of the light irradiation area while passing through the outer surface 422_8 of the lens, thereby reducing the diffusion angle. Can have

17 is an enlarged view showing in detail a pipe 410 in which the UV LED module package 422 of FIGS. 15 and 16 is installed.

Referring to FIG. 17, the lens 422_3 is fitted into the hole. A stepped portion (not shown) may be formed at a base portion (ie, a portion close to the substrate) of the lens 422_3, and a sealing member 422_5 such as a rubber packing (or O-ring) is interposed between the stepped portion and the pipe 410. The lens 422_3 is fixed to the pipe 410 in a state.

On the other hand, a reflective layer 422_4 exists between the lens 422_3 and the substrate 422_1, and reflects the ultraviolet rays reflected back from the outer surface 422_7 of the lens 422_3 without being irradiated to the inner space of the pipe, thereby reconstructing the pipe. Irradiate into the interior space.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view showing another embodiment of the pipe 410 ′ in which the UV LED module package 422 of FIGS. 15 and 16 is installed.

Referring to FIG. 18, the UV LED module 422_2 is installed such that the lens 422_3 contacts the outer surface of the pipe 410 ′. In this case, since the ultraviolet light emitted from the UV LED module 422_2 must pass through the pipe 410 'and enter the space therein, the pipe 410' should be formed of a material through which ultraviolet light is transmitted. For example, tubing 410 'may be formed using quartz, fused silica or PMMA having a high monomer ratio.

In this case, the reflective surface 411 is preferably formed in the area of the pipe as wide as possible within the limit that does not interfere with the incident of ultraviolet light. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the reflective surface 411 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 410 ′ except for a portion where the lens 422_3 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the pipe 410 ′. As another example, the reflective surface 411 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the pipe 410 ′ except for the inner circumferential surface corresponding to the portion where the lens 422_3 contacts. When the reflective surface 411 is formed as described above, ultraviolet rays incident to the inside of the pipe 410 'continue to be reflected by the reflective surface 411 in the pipe to be sterilized until absorbed and extinguished.

As described above, the fluid sterilization device 400 according to the embodiment of the present application is to install a UV LED module having a narrow diffusion angle on the bent portion, so that the non-sterilized area does not occur between the UV LED module and the UV LED module. Can be.

19 to 22 are views illustrating a fluid sterilization apparatus 500 according to another embodiment of the present application.

The fluid sterilization apparatus 500 of FIGS. 19 to 22 is similar to the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. Therefore, the same or similar reference numerals will be used for the same or similar components, and repeated descriptions will be omitted below for clear and concise description.

Unlike the fluid sterilization apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, the pipe 510 of the fluid sterilization apparatus 500 of FIG. 19 is configured to have a variable length. For example, the pipe 510 of the fluid sterilization apparatus 500 of FIG. 19 includes an inlet pipe 511 and an outlet pipe 512, and the inlet pipe 511 and the outlet pipe 512 are not fixedly coupled. Can be variable in length.

For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the connection connector 511b may be fixedly connected to one end of the inlet pipe 511 connected to the outlet pipe 512. A coupling groove 511a is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the connection connector 511b, and a sealing member 511c may be fastened to the coupling groove 511a to prevent leakage. Since the water inlet pipe 511 and the water outlet pipe 512 are not fixedly coupled, the length of the water inlet pipe 511 and the water inlet pipe can be pushed in or pulled out of the water pipe as needed.

Meanwhile, similar to FIGS. 1 to 18, the UV LED module may be installed at the bent portion of the pipe and / or the protrusion of the pipe to irradiate UV in the forward direction of the fluid and / or the reverse direction of the fluid.

In an embodiment of the present application, the user can maintain the optimal sterilization efficiency by adjusting the length of the pipe according to the flow rate. For example, when the user adjusts the speed of the fluid exiting through the fluid outlet, the speed at which the fluid passes through the UV sterilization zone formed in the tubing is also increased, thereby reducing the time the fluid is exposed to UV. In this case, the user can maintain the optimum sterilization efficiency by adjusting the length of the pipe to be longer.

On the other hand, if the length of the tubing is too long, a non-sterile zone can be created at the midpoint of the tubing, resulting in poor sterilization efficiency. In order to prevent the generation of such non-sterile areas, the fluid sterilization apparatus 500 according to the embodiment of the present application installs a plurality of UV LED modules in one bent portion, and the plurality of UV LED modules in accordance with the change in the length of the pipe Optionally turn on.

More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 21, a plurality of UV LED modules may be installed on one bent portion. For example, first and second

UV LED modules

521 and 522 are installed in the first bent part 511 of the pipe 150, and third and fourth UV LED modules 523 are installed in the second bent part 512. , 524 may be installed.

For example, if the length of the pipe 510 is short, the non-sterile area will not be generated just by turning on a pair of UV LED modules. In this case, the driving circuit 530 may control the

switch circuits

531 and 532 to turn on the

UV LED modules

522 and 524 to prevent unnecessary power consumption and generation of ultraviolet rays.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 22, when the length of the pipe 510 is long, both pairs of UV LED modules should be turned on so that the non-sterile area will not be generated. In this case, the driving circuit 530 may control the

switch circuits

531 and 532 to turn on all of the

UV LED modules

521, 522, 523, and 524 to prevent generation of the non-sterile region.

On the other hand, in Figures 1 to 22, the UV LED module has been described as being installed in contact with the bent portion of the pipe. However, if the UV LED module is made large in size and can irradiate ultraviolet rays of sufficient intensity, the UV LED module pair may be implemented to irradiate ultraviolet rays from the outside of the pipe.

For example, referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the pipe 610 of the fluid sterilization apparatus 600 may be formed to have a predetermined number or more of bent portions, or the fluid sterilization may be performed as illustrated in FIG. 24. Tubing 710 of apparatus 700 may be formed to have a spring shape.

In this case, the UV LED modules of the

fluid sterilizers

600, 700 are disposed on both sides of the

housings

640, 740, not the bends of the piping, and each UV LED module is centered on both sides of the

housings

640, 740. It can be implemented to irradiate ultraviolet rays toward.

In this case, the

pipes

610 and 710 may be made of a material that transmits ultraviolet light well, such as quartz, and the

housings

640 and 740 may be made of a material that reflects ultraviolet light well, such as stainless steel. In addition, the

UV LED modules

621, 622, 721, and 722 are preferably implemented to emit high intensity ultraviolet rays as compared to the UV LED modules of FIGS. 1 to 22.

As described above, when the UV LED module is capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays of sufficient intensity, by installing a pair of UV LED modules on both sides of the housing rather than the piping, and then irradiating the ultraviolet rays toward each other more efficiently, Bacteria entrained in the fluid can be sterilized.

The sterilization module according to the embodiment of the present application may be installed in an external device such as, for example, a water purifying device, and may easily sterilize water stored in the water purifying device.

For example, the water purification device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a reservoir in which water is stored and a sterilization module connected to the reservoir. Here, the reservoir and the sterilization module may be connected through a pipe.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sterilization module may be connected to a pipe for providing water to the reservoir, or may be connected to a pipe from which the water is withdrawn from the reservoir. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, one end of the pipe may be connected to the reservoir and the other end of the pipe may be connected to the outlet. In this case, since the sterilization module is provided on the side of the pipe connected to the outlet for supplying water from the reservoir, the water can be sterilized immediately before supplying to the user, thereby preventing further water contamination.

As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. It is obvious that modifications can be made. In addition, even if the above described embodiments of the present invention while not explicitly described and described the operation and effect according to the configuration of the present invention, it is obvious that the effect predictable by the configuration is also to be recognized.

The present application can be used as a device for sterilizing the fluid flowing through the pipe using the UV LED module.

Claims

A pipe having at least one bent portion in which a fluid flows and a portion thereof is bent; And

At least one UV LED module irradiating ultraviolet light toward the fluid and disposed adjacent to the at least one bend;

And the at least one UV LED module is arranged to irradiate ultraviolet light in a direction in which the fluid flows or in a direction opposite to the direction in which the fluid flows.
The method of claim 1,

The at least one bent portion is formed with a hole for installing the at least one UV LED,

And a transmission member that transmits ultraviolet rays emitted from the at least one UV LED between the hole and the at least one UV LED.
The method of claim 2,

And a sealing member for intercepting leakage between the hole and the permeable member.
The method of claim 3, wherein

The sealing member is formed using a flexible flexible material or an adhesive material, fluid sterilization device.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The sealing member is formed of any one of Viton, E.P.R (ETYLENE PROPYLENE), Teflon or Kaletz, fluid sterilization apparatus.
The method of claim 3, wherein

And a sealing member for intercepting leakage between the at least one UV LED and the transmission member.
The method of claim 3, wherein

And a pressing member for pressing and fixing the sealing member and the transmitting member to the hole between the at least one UV LED and the transmitting member.
The method of claim 2,

The permeable member is formed of any one of quartz, fused silica, or PMMA having a high monomer ratio.
The method of claim 1,

The pipe includes a plurality of bends,

And determining whether to place the at least one UV LED module based on whether the distance between the plurality of bends is longer than a reference distance.
The method of claim 9,

The pipe is,

A first bent part formed by bending in a second direction different from the first direction in a first direction; And

A second bend formed in a second direction different from the second direction in the second direction;

When the distance between the first bend and the second bend is longer than the reference distance, UV LED module is disposed in the first bend and the second bend,

And when the distance between the first bend and the second bend is shorter than the reference distance, no UV LED module is disposed in the first bend and the second bend.
The method of claim 1,

The pipe is,

shell; And

It has a larger diameter than the inner tube, and the fluid sterilization device comprising an appearance that slides coupled to the inner tube so that the length of the pipe can be varied.
The method of claim 11,

Wherein the length of the tubing increases in proportion to the increase in flow rate of the fluid.
The method of claim 11,

The pipe is,

A first bent portion formed by bending a portion of the inner tube; And

A part of the exterior includes a second curved portion formed by bending;

The at least one UV LED module,

First and second UV LED modules disposed in the first bent portion; And

And a third and fourth UV LED module disposed in the second bend.
The method of claim 13,

When the length of the pipe is longer than the reference distance, both the first and second UV LED modules disposed in the first bent portion and the third and fourth UV LED modules disposed in the second bent portion are turned on. Become,

When the length of the pipe is shorter than the reference distance, the UV LED module selected from the first and second UV LED modules disposed in the first bent part is turned on, and the third and third parts installed in the second bent part are turned on. 4 UV LED module Fluid sterilizer, selected UV LED module is turned on.
The method of claim 1,

The at least one UV LED module includes a lens for reducing the diffusion angle of ultraviolet rays to a predetermined angle or less.
The method of claim 15,

The pipe is formed with a hole in which the lens is fitted,

And the lens is fitted into the hole so that the outer surface of the lens is exposed to the inside of the pipe.
The method of claim 16,

The material of the pipe is any one of stainless steel, silver, aluminum or magnesium oxide, fluid sterilization device.
The method of claim 15,

The lens is disposed in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pipe,

A reflection film for reflecting ultraviolet rays is formed in an area except the area where the lens is in contact with the outer or inner circumferential surface of the pipe,

The tubing is any one of quartz, fused silica, or PMMA having a high monomer ratio.
The method of claim 1,

The pipe is formed of any one of stainless steel, aluminum, silver or magnesium oxide, the fluid sterilization device.
The method of claim 1,

The pipe includes at least one protrusion formed by protruding a portion of the pipe,

And the at least one UV LED module is disposed adjacent the at least one protrusion.
The method of claim 1,

The fluid flows inside the tubing, and the at least one UV LED module irradiates ultraviolet light toward the fluid flowing inside the tubing.
Piping through which fluid flows; And

At least one UV LED module installed to irradiate ultraviolet light toward the fluid,

The at least one UV LED module is installed in an outer housing for protecting the pipe, the fluid sterilization device for irradiating ultraviolet light toward the fluid.
A reservoir where water is stored;

A pipe having one end connected to the reservoir and the other end connected to the outlet; And

At least one UV LED module for irradiating the ultraviolet light to the water,

The pipe has at least one bent portion formed by bending a portion,

The UV LED module is disposed adjacent to the at least one bent portion, the water purification device for irradiating ultraviolet light in a direction opposite to the direction in which the water flows or the water flows.